Key Takeaways
- Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham waved the checkered flag at the United States Grand Prix in Austin, prompting F1 fans to question her selection.
- The backlash follows Cunningham’s opposition to transgender athletes competing in women’s sports, a stance she says aims to “protect young girls” rather than express hatred toward trans people.
- Cunningham said she no longer cares what critics say, while her F1 appearance continued a run of sports crossovers that includes a UFC cameo and talks about a potential WWE appearance.
Sophie Cunningham's appearance at the October 25 United States Grand Prix in Austin, Texas, sparked criticism from Formula One fans who questioned why the controversial WNBA player was chosen to wave the checkered flag.
According to The Houston Chronicle, the Indiana Fever guard arrived at the Circuit of the Americas wearing a Tecovas cowboy hat emblazoned with "YEE MF HAW," showed off her outfit in an Instagram Reel, then took her position trackside. Cunningham later waved the checkered flag as Italian driver Kimi Antonelli crossed the finish line to claim victory.
She wasn't the only high-profile guest to receive a less-than-enthusiastic reception. Texas Sen. Ted Cruz presented Antonelli with his trophy, drawing loud boos from the crowd that quickly turned to cheers once the driver raised his prize.
Cunningham's presence drew a different kind of attention, with Formula One fans questioning the decision to feature the Missouri native and Indiana basketball player at one of the sport's biggest American events.
The criticism follows months of controversy surrounding Cunningham's public statements about transgender athletes competing in women's sports.
She also rejected accusations that her position amounted to hostility toward transgender people.
"I got a lot of negative feedback about me hating trans," Cunningham said. "And I'm like, 'I never once said that.'"
Her remarks subsequently sparked protests outside WNBA games and criticism from figures including Megan Rapinoe. Cunningham has also appeared alongside former collegiate swimmer Riley Gaines, who campaigns against transgender participation in women's sports.
More recently, Cunningham praised Washington high school athletes who protested a transgender runner's participation in a girls' cross-country meet. Responding to footage shared by XX-XY Athletics, she wrote, "Good work girls."
Cunningham has made clear that the backlash isn't changing her approach.
"I literally don't even care what anybody says about me anymore," she said. "If you're going to live by the praise, you're going to die by the hate."
She added, "I know what I bring to the table, it's not always in the stat sheet."
Her appearance in Austin marks another high-profile sports crossover following her impromptu ring-girl cameo at UFC 329 in July. Cunningham has also discussed being approached about a potential WWE appearance.
